Doctors Answers (3)
A sleep study does not make one sleep better but the results of the study can guide your physician to appropriate treatment. Disorders such as sleep apnea, restless legs, fragmented sleep, snoring, deficiency of restorative stages of sleep, abnormal heart rhythms and low oxygen levels are a few of the night time activities which can be measured and often corrected to help you sleep better. I advise you to first see a sleep specialist who can best direct the sleep lab personnel to perform the test best suited for you. The position of your body during sleep may be important, video of abnormal activity during the night and even testing of sleep activity during daytime naps may be ordered. The more that is known about your sleep history prior to your sleep study helps the sleep technologist who will be prepared to record specific events. Then, the sleep specialist can help restore your sleep to a more normal state.
A sleep study is just part of the process to evaluate the quantity and quality of your sleep. Information about your general health, mental health and social habits and work history are also of paramount importance in helping determine why you are sleepy during the day. You should consult your primary care physician for a check up and then let them facilitate a diagnostic sleep study if it is warranted.
A sleep study does not help people sleep better - at least not directly. A sleep study is a diagnostic test that your doctor may require in order to rule out or confirm a medical diagnosis. Completing the sleep study will provide your doctor with valuable information that will enable him/her to develop a well-informed treatment plan. Hopefully, this will put you on the path to relief! Completing the test is an important part of getting the healthcare service you need to feel better!
